PDF to AVIF Converter

What is PDF to AVIF Conversion?

PDF to AVIF conversion transforms PDF document pages into AVIF (AV1 Image File Format) images. AVIF is a modern image format developed by the Alliance for Open Media in 2019, based on the AV1 video codec. The format provides significantly better compression compared to JPG and even WebP while maintaining high quality.

PDF remains the standard for document workflows, but web publishing and page optimization increasingly require images in modern formats. AVIF reduces file size by 30-50% compared to JPG at the same visual quality, which is critical for fast web page loading and bandwidth savings.

During PDF to AVIF conversion, each document page is rasterized at the specified resolution and then compressed using the AV1 algorithm. The result is compact files with excellent quality, supported by all modern browsers and operating systems.

Technical Features of the AVIF Format

Origin and Standardization

AVIF is based on the AV1 video codec developed by the Alliance for Open Media consortium, which includes Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Mozilla, Netflix, and other tech giants. The AVIF image format was standardized in 2019 and continues to evolve.

Key technical specifications:

• Codec: AV1 (AOMedia Video 1)
• Container: HEIF (High Efficiency Image File Format)
• Extension: .avif
• MIME type: image/avif

AV1 Compression Algorithm

AV1 uses modern compression methods that significantly outperform JPEG:

These technologies allow AVIF to achieve JPG quality at half the file size.

AVIF Format Capabilities

AVIF combines the advantages of JPG (compactness) and PNG (transparency, lossless mode), adding HDR support and wide color gamut.

Advantages of AVIF Over Other Formats

Compression Efficiency

Comparative file size analysis at equal visual quality:

For websites with many images, switching to AVIF can cut bandwidth in half, speeding up page loading.

Image Quality

AVIF demonstrates advantages across different content types:

• Photographs - fewer compression artifacts at low bitrates
• Graphics - sharp edges without blurring
• Text - better readability of small fonts
• Gradients - smooth transitions without banding

Under heavy compression, AVIF preserves details where JPG already creates noticeable artifacts.

HDR and Wide Gamut Support

AVIF supports high dynamic range (HDR) and wide color spaces:

• HDR10 - up to 10 bits per channel, extended dynamic range
• PQ (Perceptual Quantizer) - curve for HDR content
• BT.2020 - wide color gamut for professional graphics

This is especially important for documents with photographs taken on modern cameras with wide dynamic range.

When to Convert PDF to AVIF

Web Publishing

AVIF is ideal for publishing documents online:

• News sites - articles with document images load faster
• Corporate portals - bandwidth savings with many users
• Educational platforms - learning materials with optimal quality/size ratio
• Digital libraries - compact storage of document previews

Fast image loading improves user experience and search engine rankings.

Mobile Applications

Optimization for mobile devices:

• Mobile data savings - important for users with limited data plans
• Fast loading - less waiting on slow connections
• Memory savings - compact files take up less space

AVIF allows delivering more content with the same amount of data.

Optimized Archiving

When balancing quality and volume matters:

• Long-term storage - disk space savings
• Cloud storage - lower storage costs
• Backup - faster backup creation and restoration

AVIF in lossless mode preserves perfect quality at smaller size than PNG.

Social Networks and Messengers

Modern platforms support AVIF:

• Telegram - AVIF support in recent versions
• Discord - AVIF image display
• Social media web versions - Chrome, Firefox, Safari support the format

Compact AVIF files are sent and loaded faster.

PDF to AVIF Conversion Process

Conversion Steps

1. PDF Analysis - determining pages, dimensions, color space

2. Rasterization - each page is rendered to a raster image at the specified resolution

3. Color Correction - conversion to target color space (sRGB or Wide Gamut)

4. AV1 Encoding - applying the compression algorithm with selected quality parameters

5. Container Packaging - creating the AVIF file with metadata

Conversion Parameters

Encoding speed is a trade-off between processing time and compression efficiency. For important documents, slow encoding is recommended.

Choosing Quality Parameter

Quality impact on file size (for A4 page, 150 DPI):

For most tasks, quality 65-80 provides the optimal balance.

AVIF Compatibility

Browsers

AVIF support in 2024:

According to caniuse.com, over 93% of internet users use browsers with AVIF support.

Operating Systems

Software

Support in popular programs:

The AVIF ecosystem is actively developing, with new programs adding format support.

AVIF vs Other Formats

AVIF vs JPG

Recommendation: AVIF for modern web projects, JPG for maximum compatibility.

AVIF vs WebP

Recommendation: AVIF for maximum optimization, WebP for balancing speed and quality.

AVIF vs PNG

Recommendation: AVIF lossless for web optimization, PNG for universal compatibility.

Limitations and Considerations

Format Limitations

• Encoding speed - AVIF encodes slower than JPG and WebP
• Compatibility - not all programs support the format
• Older devices - Windows 10 requires extension, older Android versions don't support it

When NOT to Use AVIF

• Maximum compatibility is critical - use JPG
• Sharing with users on older systems - WebP or JPG
• Fast processing of many files - WebP encodes faster

Usage Recommendations

• Use AVIF for web publishing where loading speed matters
• Provide JPG/WebP fallback for older browsers
• Choose AVIF lossless for archiving
• Test quality at different compression settings